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Value-added uses for digester fiber

By-products of anaerobic digestion can be valuable for several different purposes.

The
process of anaerobic digestion adds value to low cost feedstocks such as animal
and food wastes by utilizing the energy within the feedstock to create biogas. After
the energy has been extracted, the digestate exits out of
the digester and is land applied or further processed to capture the fiber.
Digester fiber can be used to manufacture soil amendments such as compost and a
peat moss replacement product. Michigan State University Extension and Eco-Composites
LLC have been investigating other uses for digester fiber under a USDA grant.
One promising development is a pelletized digester fiber bedding product.
Pellets made from digester fiber resemble wood pellets externally, but are much
more efficient at absorbing moisture while retaining their structure. Preliminary
results indicate that digester fiber pellets in horse stalls last 3-4 times
longer than wood pellets or shavings. Other uses for digester fiber include
medium density fiberboard and composite materials. Information on additional
uses of digester fiber can be found at: